In response to the rash of shark attacks in New York last week, Governor Kathy Hochul made an announcement today regarding the safety measures the state is employing to protect beachgoers. These measures will include shark-monitoring drones, some of which are equipped with thermal imaging and laser range finding.
“We have a million-dollar plan where we’re equipping communities with high tech drones to monitor shark activity,” said Hochul during a press conference. “Starting today, we’ll be providing over 60 of these drones to communities from Long Island to New York City to Westchester, which is our vulnerable areas.” She added that the program will not only include the drones themselves, but also training and certification for drone operators.
This comes after New York had already ramped up its shark prevention measures in anticipation of the summer season. In May, Hochul announced a number of safety measures to be employed at Long Island State Park beaches. Ten drones were added to the eight already in operation, with one them being a “large enterprise model with thermal imaging, laser range finding, and high-quality cameras to allow for nighttime surveillance and patrols in adverse weather conditions.” This larger drone can also drop personal flotation devices in emergency situations.
“Giving [sic] the lessons of last summer and seeing the change in sharks’ behavior, we knew early on before the season even started, we had to take preemptive steps and get the awareness out there and to do everything we can to keep beachgoers safe,” said Hochul.
However, Hochul also reminded New Yorkers that, even though they can have a tight grip on the news and popular conscious, shark attacks are still quite rare. Additionally, she added a positive spin on the increased shark sightings, crediting them on successful conservation efforts. “They’re coming closer because the water is more pristine,” she said. “It’s cleaner than it was 50 years ago. And the habitat is moving and the species that they feed off of are coming in closer because we’ve done such a good job cleaning up the water that people swim in and the fish and sharks live in.”
Though shark bites are rare, and increased sightings can be an indicator of a healthy ocean environment, Hochul still emphasized the state’s focus on monitoring the beasts and attempting to prevent any more aggressive encounters. “If the message can get out to the sharks: we are watching. We’re watching from land and sea and air,” she said.
